I know that a key element to quality filmmaking is to record my sound externally. I have decided that recording from a mic to a mini-disk recorder is my best option. But, no matter where I shop, no one has any clue what type of model I need. I would GREATLY appreciate anyone who could lend some advice on what has worked for them in the past, or any other suggestions they might have. Thanks.

Its important to mic externally, not necessarily record externally.

Are you recording to miniDV? Does your camcorder have a mic in jack? if it does, you'll get just as good audio(technically better from a compression and sample rate standpoint) through that jack. I have two mini disc players, so i am familiar with the format, but is there no way to tap a mic into your cam? Bear in mind that you will have to sync sound and video in post, and all of the consumer mini disc models i have ever seen have standard 1/8" jacks - the same on most consumer camcorders. So you arent gaining any quality there. So - what is your budget, and what cam are you using? If at all possible you are much better off sinking the cash into a better shotgun mic.

Yeah, I used a Mini-disk recorder once and it was not worth it, took me a while to sync up the audio and I even did comparisons with sound recorded (from the same shotgun mic) on MiniDV and the MiniDV was just as good, if not better. Like jeff said, it's all about the external mic you use, if you have a 1/8" miniplug jack on your camcorder, you imght want to think about investing (or renting) an XLR adapter, which would yeild better quality for better XLR mics.

Thanks so much for the input, but the problem is my Mini-DV cam doesn't have an audio jack. I am using a JVC GR-D72U and the mic on the front of the camera just won't suffice. My current budget is "as cheap as I can possibly do it". I am trying to save up for a used Canon XL1-S, but thats beside the point. I am prepared to deal with synching up the sound, I just need to know the model of Mini Disk Player that will get the job done.

Just one more suggestion before we start investigating mini disc players - have you looked at DATs? Definitely better quality, andf you are much more likely to find one with an XLR in (or at least a 1/4" jack). Even Ebay may be a good place to look. Being that thee are generally professional gear they are sturdier and in my opinion a little safer to buy used subsuquently. May be worth looking into.

Check out the Marantz PMD650. It is a great portable MD recorder. Amazing quality. But, have you checked out digital juke box type devices (hard drive or compact flash recorders)? You can find them cheaper and you won't have to keep buying media.

So... you could technically use your iPod as a way to record sound?

I knew that was possible... with the iTalk or whatever... but is there a way to hook up a decent mic to it?